With Lu Qing Wan’s nod, the coroner turned to examine the body. Although his movements were less awkward than before, they were now more solemn.
No longer driven by fear of the powerful, but by respect for the deceased Princess An Yang and her family member, Lu Qing Wan.
A warm hand rested on her shoulder. Lu Qing Wan turned to see Feng Xi Wu.
“Get up. Your mother-in-law would be heartbroken if she knew you were so distraught.”
He didn’t order a subordinate but reached out with his own hands to help Lu Qing Wan up.
Having knelt for a long time, Lu Qing Wan’s legs were stiff. She stood up, supporting her knees, and stumbled, nearly falling onto the bones.
Fortunately, Feng Xi Wu’s grip was strong, and he pulled her back.
Steadying herself, Lu Qing Wan felt dizzy. “I’m just thinking about how I’m going to tell my father this cruel truth?”
His wife, who was said to be merely missing, was found in their own home, having been murdered over a decade ago. Lu Qing Wan felt that if she were Lu Zhen Ting, she would surely go mad.
“Then don’t tell him for now.”
Feng Xi Wu supported Lu Qing Wan’s waist with one hand and held her hand with the other. “This matter can be concluded now. I’ve already sent Tang Xiao to interrogate everyone in the Wen Chang Marquisate.
Once the truth is revealed, I will immediately go to the palace and ask the Emperor to make a decision. The Longevity Festival is approaching, and it’s unlikely to be delayed for too long.
When there’s a result, we’ll tell your father. By then, his health will have recovered somewhat, and he’ll be able to bear it better.”
“That’s the only way.”
Lu Qing Wan earnestly entrusted Feng Xi Wu with a plea. “Before that, I implore Your Highness to seal the news and absolutely do not let this tragic news reach my father.
His heart is already injured. I’m worried that if he becomes too emotional, it might leave lasting damage.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already made arrangements.”
Feng Xi Wu squeezed Lu Qing Wan’s hand. “I’ll leave this to Han Guang. I’ll take you back to your residence first. You really need to rest.”
Having been tormented by nightmares last night and sleeping little, and then experiencing so many events today, Feng Xi Wu was concerned that Lu Qing Wan couldn’t endure it and would collapse.
Her mother’s remains had been found, and her staying here would be of no use, only making those below feel constrained.
Lu Qing Wan thought about it and agreed. As she was leaving, Feng Qing Heng also happened to be departing.
Seeing Lu Qing Wan’s tear-streaked makeup, he instinctively wanted to make a sarcastic remark, but a sharp glance from Feng Xi Wu silenced him.
A canopied carriage, with two horses abreast, carried them back to the residence. Feng Xi Wu, however, showed no intention of disembarking. Lu Qing Wan was slightly surprised. “Your Highness isn’t returning to your residence?”
“I’m going to oversee the interrogation of those from the Wen Chang Marquisate. Once there’s a result, I’ll go directly to the palace to report to the Emperor. You go back and rest. I’ll return later.”
Lu Qing Wan actually understood. Even if the Metropolitan Prefecture Magistrate couldn’t decide on her mother’s case, handing it over to the Ministry of Justice and the Grand Court of Revision would be sufficient; there was no need for the Shen Ce Camp to intervene.
Much less for Feng Xi Wu to personally be involved. Everything he was doing was so that she could find peace sooner.
At such a time, saying polite words would seem hypocritical. “I will not forget the effort Your Highness has put into my mother’s case.
If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly do my utmost to repay Your Highness’s great kindness.”
Feng Xi Wu smiled charmingly again. “Alright. As you know, my aspirations are. As long as Your Highness is willing, I am always waiting!”
Lu Qing Wan was immediately amused and exasperated. Feng Xi Wu, however, laughed heartily and produced a veil. “Wear this. Go back, wash up, and then sleep.”
The words Lu Qing Wan wanted to say were stifled. She obediently watched Feng Xi Wu fasten the veil for her, her eyebrows lowered. “If Your Highness’s aspirations are truly so singular, I shall certainly ensure Your Highness’s wishes are fulfilled!”
With that, she nimbly jumped off the carriage but suddenly felt her vision black out and nearly fell to the ground.
Fortunately, Li Su was quick-witted and quickly supported her.
Lu Qing Wan felt incredibly embarrassed and fled quickly without even bidding farewell to Feng Xi Wu.
Feng Xi Wu watched her red ear tips and shook his head in good spirits. His expression then turned cold. “Keep an eye on Prince Chen. Before the Longevity Festival, don’t let him have any opportunity to contact anyone from the Marquisate, including Lu Si Wan’s maids and attendants.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Li Yang responded, turned his horse, and then asked, “Your Highness, where are we going next?”
“Shen Ce Camp prison.”
Feng Xi Wu uttered the words coldly. “Have Shen Ci come over immediately as well, just in case.”
Li Yang immediately recalled the terrifying scene in the Ministry of Justice prison and hurriedly agreed.
However, he muttered to himself, if the family in the Wen Chang Marquisate truly possessed those horrifying venomous spiders, could Doctor Shen protect them like the Princess Consort?
Most likely not. Li Yang shook his head, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the Princess Consort. She could cure illnesses, detoxify, kill insects, and save people – she was incredibly reassuring!
Lu Qing Wan, dragging Li Su, sneezed violently as soon as she entered the courtyard, startling Li Su.
“Is Your Highness alright? Have you caught a cold?”
Li Su secretly grumbled, today’s Princess Consort was truly having one misfortune after another. She hadn’t stayed in bed after spitting blood, perhaps she would make up for it with a cold?
“Just an occasional sneeze, it’s not that serious.”
Lu Qing Wan waved her hand. “Go attend to your duties if you have any. You don’t need to serve me here.”
Li Su wouldn’t dare. “My greatest task today is to escort you back to the residence. I have nothing else to do.”
Lu Qing Wan let her have her way. As soon as she entered the Wutong Courtyard, Yue’er happily ran over. “Princess Consort, Miss Wu Ying is here. She said you wanted to see her and has been waiting for a long time!”
Lu Qing Wan then remembered that she had asked Ying Er to summon Wu Ying before going to the Shen Ce Camp.
“Prepare some food. I’ll see her shortly.”
Yue’er quickly agreed and then scurried off to call Man Chun and the others to busy themselves in the small kitchen.
Lu Qing Wan returned to her room and went to the dressing table to remove her veil. Wow, the exquisite makeup she had meticulously applied that morning was smudged by her tears like a riverbed overflowing, looking utterly frightening!
It was a wonder Feng Xi Wu could still speak so gently to her. Truly the God of War of Da Gan, his psychological resilience was indeed formidable!
Lu Qing Wan gave Feng Xi Wu a thumbs-up in her heart. She quickly rushed to the bath and washed herself thoroughly, then changed into a crisp Feiyu suit before going out.
Li Su’s eyes lit up when she saw the newly dressed Lu Qing Wan. “Princess Consort, this outfit looks so good on you!”
“Looking good is secondary, the key is practicality.”
Lu Qing Wan raised her arm. “As a female guard like you, wearing a woman’s dress would be inconvenient. The Feiyu suit is very suitable for you. Ask Man Chun to take your measurements, and I’ll have a few made for you too.”
Li Su’s face showed joy, but she remained respectful, bowing her hands. “Thank you, Princess Consort!”
Lu Qing Wan was not one to stand on ceremony with her. She then asked, “You are His Highness’s person, will you report everything I do to him?”
“No, Princess Consort.”
Li Su quickly shook her head. “When Princess Consort entered the household, His Highness said that whether it be the shadow guards or the subordinates, as long as it doesn’t concern the Princess Consort’s safety, there’s no need to report everything.
We subordinates follow Princess Consort’s side solely to protect her safety, not to monitor her. Please believe me, Princess Consort.”